Paul Davis

Published:00:00Saturday 30 July 2016

Former Liverpool defender Ryan McLaughlin is on trial with Rotherham United.

The Star understands the 21-year-old full-back is training with the Millers, who have lodged bids for at least two players as they look to strengthen their squad for their forthcoming Championship campaign.

McLaughlin never made senior appearance for the Premier League side but made nine loan starts for Barnsley in 2014 and featured in five matches for Scottish Premier League outfit Aberdeen in a three-month spell last season.

The Northern Ireland youth international plays at right-back and Rotherham need more defensive cover. However, there is no indication yet whether he will be given a deal. He was released at Anfield at the end of the last season.

Millers boss Alan Stubbs confirmed offers have been made for potential new recruits and, with the squad low on numbers, he hopes business can be done before next Saturday’s opening-day visit of Wolves.

But he is prepared to wait until after the season has started if necessary to ensure he lands the right men.

“There are bids in,” he said. “It’s not a case of being in a bidding war with anybody.

“We know what we have got to pay for one or two of them and we are just waiting to find out now whether we are the club that the players want to come to.

“I am always hopeful, but I am only ever confident when I am shaking the player’s hand and he has signed the contract. With the way things are now, you can never be 100 per cent confident. I am hopeful we can get something done over the next few days, so watch this space.”

With Danny Ward the only fit, experienced Championship striker on their books, Rotherham are in the market for two more forwards.

Adam Armstrong

“We would like to bring in another striker but other areas of the pitch are as important as well,” Stubbs added. ““We have made offers for a couple of positions.”

The manager, who has made four signings since taking charge last month, appeared to rule out a move for Newcastle’s Adam Armstrong, the teenage striker with whom the Millers have been linked.

“It has not come from us, that one,” he said.

Meanwhile, Stubbs’ most recent acquisition, central midfielder Will Vaulks, will wear the No 4 shirt next season.